Mobile computer configured to read multiple decodable indicia

ABSTRACT

A device can comprise a processor, a memory, an imaging subsystem configured to acquire an image of decodable indicia, a display, and a communication interface. The device can be configured, responsive to acquiring an image of one or more objects within a field of view of the imaging subsystem, to locate within the image and decode one or more decodable indicia. The device can be further configured to display the image on the display and visually mark the one or more successfully decoded decodable indicia. The device can be further configured, responsive to accepting user input selecting at least one decodable indicia of the displayed one or more decodable indicia, to transmit to an external computer at least one decoded message corresponding to the at least one decodable indicia.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.61/726,747 filed Nov. 15, 2012 entitled, “Mobile Computer Configured toRead Multiple Decodable Indicia.” The above application is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to digital devices, and inparticular to mobile computers configured to read decodable indicia.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Decodable indicia are patterns, marks, or messages which are designed tobe scanned and interpreted by computer and/or other mechanical and/orautomated methods. Many known types of decodable indicia fall under thecategory of barcodes. Barcodes are graphical representations of data,the most common of which are referred to as one dimensional (1D) and twodimensional (2D) barcodes. 1D barcodes are graphical entities thatrepresent data by varying the widths and spacing of parallel lines. 2Dbarcodes are also graphical entities that represent data, but inaddition to the parallel lines, or bars, a 2D barcode may containrectangles, dots, hexagons and other geometric patterns in twodimensions. The data encoded in the barcodes are interpreted by opticalscanners and/or software. Barcodes can be scanned by special opticalscanners called barcode readers as well as by general purpose devicessuch as smart phones. Other types of decodable indicia include opticalcharacter recognition (OCR), glyphs, or other visual markings. Also,non-visual technologies such as magnetic strips, radio-frequencyidentification (RFID), and other non-visual technologies fall under thedefinition of decodable indicia as well.

The discussion above is merely provided for general backgroundinformation and is not intended to be used as an aid in determining thescope of the claimed subject matter.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Systems are disclosed that in various embodiments include devices,methods, and/or software for processing multiple decodable indicia. Inone illustrative embodiment, there is provided a device comprising aprocessor, a memory, an imaging subsystem configured to acquire an imageof decodable indicia, a display, and a communication interface. Thedevice can be configured, responsive to acquiring an image of one ormore objects within a field of view of the imaging subsystem, to locatewithin the image and decode one or more decodable indicia. The devicecan be further configured to display the image on the display andvisually mark the one or more successfully decoded decodable indicia.The device can be further configured, responsive to accepting user inputselecting at least one decodable indicia of the displayed one or moredecodable indicia, to transmit to an external computer at least onedecoded message corresponding to the at least one decodable indicia.

In some embodiments, the device can be provided by a smart phone, atablet computer, or a personal digital assistant.

In some embodiments, the imaging subsystem can comprises atwo-dimensional image sensor configured to output an analog signalrepresentative of light reflected by an object located within a field ofview of the imaging subsystem, an amplifier configured to output anamplified analog signal by amplifying the analog signal read out of theimage sensor, and an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter configured toconvert the amplified analog signal into a digital signal representingthe acquired image.

In some embodiments, the device can be further configured to accept userinput indicating an order in which decoded messages corresponding to twoor more decodable indicia should be transmitted to the externalcomputer.

In some embodiments, the device can be further configured to accept userinput selecting within the displayed image at least one decodableindicia which is not marked as successfully decoded, and to decode theat least one decodable indicia.

In some embodiments, the device can be further configured, responsive toaccepting user input selecting at least one decodable indicia of thedisplayed one or more decodable indicia, to transmit to an externalcomputer at least one image comprising the at least one decodableindicia.

In another illustrative embodiment, there is provided a method ofprocessing multiple decodable indicia, performed using one or moreprocessors, comprising: acquiring an image of one or more objectsbearing one or more decodable indicia, locating one or more decodableindicia within the image, decoding the one or more decodable indicia,displaying the image, visually marking the one or more successfullydecoded decodable indicia within the displayed image, accepting userinput selecting at least one decodable indicia of the displayed one ormore decodable indicia, and transmitting to an external computer atleast one decoded message corresponding to the at least one decodableindicia.

In some embodiments, the step of accepting user input comprisesaccepting user input indicating an order in which decoded messagescorresponding to two or more decodable indicia should be transmitted tothe external computer.

In some embodiments, the method can further comprise accepting userinput selecting within the displayed image at least one decodableindicia which is not marked as successfully decoded, and decoding theselected decodable indicia.

In some embodiments, visually marking the successfully decoded decodableindicia within the displayed image can be performed by highlighting thesuccessfully decoded decodable indicia, rendering a bounding box aroundthe one or more successfully decoded decodable indicia, or rendering avisual marker around a center of the one or more successfully decodeddecodable indicia.

In some embodiments, the method can further comprise transmitting to anexternal computer at least one image comprising at least one decodableindicia selected by a user.

In some embodiments, the method can be performed by one or moreprocessors of one or more mobile computers.

In another illustrative embodiment, there is provided acomputer-readable storage medium comprising executable instructionscapable of configuring one or more processors for: acquiring an image ofone or more objects bearing one or more decodable indicia, locating oneor more decodable indicia within the image, decoding the one or moredecodable indicia, displaying the image, visually marking the one ormore successfully decoded decodable indicia within the displayed image,accepting user input selecting at least one decodable indicia of thedisplayed one or more decodable indicia, and transmitting to an externalcomputer at least one decoded message corresponding to the at least onedecodable indicia.

In some embodiments, the executable instructions can be further capableof configuring one or more processors so that the step of accepting userinput comprises accepting user input indicating an order in whichdecoded messages corresponding to the two or more decodable indiciashould be transmitted to the external computer.

In some embodiments, the executable instructions can be further capableof configuring one or more processors for: selecting within thedisplayed image at least one decodable indicia which is not marked assuccessfully decoded, and decoding the at least one decodable indicia.

In some embodiments, the executable instructions can be further capableof configuring one or more processors so that the visually marking thesuccessfully decoded decodable indicia within the displayed image can beperformed by highlighting the one or more successfully decoded decodableindicia, rendering a bounding box around the one or more successfullydecoded decodable indicia, or rendering a visual marker around a centerof the one or more successfully decoded decodable indicia.

In some embodiments, the executable instructions can be further capableof configuring one or more processors for transmitting, responsive toaccepting user input selecting at least one decodable indicia of thedisplayed one or more decodable indicia, to an external computer atleast one image comprising the at least one decodable indicia.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subjectmatter. The claimed subject matter is not limited to implementationsthat solve any or all disadvantages noted in the background.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, the drawings show aspectsof one or more embodiments of the invention. However, it should beunderstood that the present invention is not limited to the precisearrangements and instrumentalities shown in the drawings, wherein:

FIGS. 1 a-1 b schematically illustrate one embodiment of a mobilecomputer described herein;

FIG. 2 depicts a component-level diagram of an illustrative embodimentof the mobile computer described herein;

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a network diagram of one illustrativeembodiment of a data collection system employing the mobile computerdisclosed herein; and

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates one embodiment of a method ofprocessing multiple decodable indicia by mobile computer disclosedherein.

The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generallybeing placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In thedrawings, like numerals are used to indicate like parts throughout thevarious views.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Capturing decodable indicia can be performed using various technologies.Laser scanning or linear imaging can be used for capturing 1D barcodes.Some 2D barcodes known as stacked codes, such as PDF417, can be readusing these technologies as well, however 2D bar codes known as matrixcodes require devices which can capture a 2 dimensional (2D) image ofthe bar code. These 2D images are also useful for decoding 1D, 2Dstacked codes, as well as OCR or other visual decodable indicia. ForRFID tags, magnetic strips or other non-visual decodable indicia, thetechnologies may involve use of RF, magnetic reading heads, or othernon-visual means of capture. For the purposes of this disclosure,capturing any decodable indicia will be referred to generally as“imaging”, and the captured representation of the decodable indicia by adevice will be referred to as an “image”.

Mobile computers, such as smart phones, tablet personal computers (PCs),personal digital assistants (PDA), and other similar devices equippedwith imaging devices can be used for reading and/or decoding decodableindicia. “Computer” herein shall refer to a programmable device for dataprocessing and control, including a central processing unit (CPU), amemory, and at least one communication interface.

In situations when two or more decodable indicia are present within acaptured image, an additional processing might be needed to determinewhich indicia and in which order need to be decoded and/or used for aparticular application (e.g., for information retrieval from an externalcomputer).

In some embodiments, a mobile computer can, upon locating and decodingtwo or more decodable indicia within a captured image, display the imageand visually mark the decoded indicia within the image (e.g., byhighlighting the successfully decoded decodable indicia, drawing abounding box around the successfully decoded decodable indicia, placinga circular dot or some other visual marker in or around the center ofthe successfully decoded decodable indicia, etc.). The mobile computercan accept user input indicating which indicia and in which order needto be used by one or more applications. In one illustrative embodiment,responsive to accepting user input selecting one or more decodableindicia, the mobile computer can transmit to an external computer thedecoded messages corresponding to the selected indicia. In anotherillustrative embodiment, responsive to accepting user input selectingtwo or more decodable indicia, the mobile computer can transmit to anexternal computer, in the order indicated by the user, the decodedmessages corresponding to the selected indicia.

In a further aspect, selecting one or more decodable indicia can beperformed via touch screen by the user's tapping the screen areascontaining the images of one or more decodable indicia. In oneillustrative embodiment, the user's repetitive tapping the screen areacontaining a decodable indicia image can toggle on or off the inclusionof the indicia and/or a decoded message corresponding to the indiciainto the sequence of messages to be transmitted to an external computer.

As noted herein supra, the mobile computer can, upon locating anddecoding two or more decodable indicia within a captured image, displaythe image and visually mark the decoded indicia within the image (e.g.,by highlighting the successfully decoded decodable indicia, drawing abounding box around the successfully decoded decodable indicia, placinga circular dot or some other visual marker in or around the center ofthe successfully decoded decodable indicia, etc.). The mobile computercan accept user input selecting within the displayed image at least onedecodable indicia which is not marked as successfully decoded, anddecode the selected decodable indicia.

In some embodiments, a mobile computer can schematically display one ormore successfully decoded non-visual decodable indicia (e.g., overlaidover an image acquired by the mobile computer's imaging device) andaccept user input indicating which non-visual decodable indicia and inwhich order need to be decoded and/or used for a particular application(e.g., for information retrieval from an external computer).

One illustrative embodiment of a mobile computer described herein isshown in FIGS. 1 a (front panel view) and 1 b (side panel view). Themobile computer 100 can comprise a housing 52 within which othercomponents of mobile computer 100 can be disposed. A display 54 can bedisposed on the front panel 56. Also disposed on the front panel 56 canbe a keyboard 64 including functional keys 68, navigation keys 72,and/or numeric keys. At least one connector of a wired communicationinterface can be disposed on the bottom panel or side panel of thehousing 52 (e.g., a USB, PCMCIA, Ethernet, or MiniUSB connector). Askilled artisan would appreciate the fact that other form factors ofmobile computer 100 are within the scope of this disclosure.

Component-level diagram of an illustrative embodiment of the mobilecomputer is now being described with references to FIG. 2. Mobilecomputer 100 can include one or more processors 1060 communicativelycoupled to system bus 1500. For example, one or more processors 1060 mayillustratively be or include a central processing unit (CPU), a complexprogrammable logic device (CPLD), an application-specific integratedcircuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or any type ofcircuit capable of processing logic operations, in accordance withvarious embodiments.

Also coupled to system bus 1500 can be various interface circuits forcoupling the peripheral devices, including, e.g., interface circuit 1302for coupling display 1304, and interface circuit 1402 for couplingkeyboard 1404 and pointing device 1406 to system bus 1500. In someembodiments, the pointing device can be provided by a touch screenoverlay associated with the display 1304.

The mobile computer 100 can further comprise one or more communicationinterfaces 1604, 1608 for providing communications with externaldevices. Communication interfaces 1604, 1608 can include one or morewired interfaces (e.g., Ethernet (IEEE 802.3), USB, RS/485, etc.) andone or more wireless interfaces (e.g., interfaces configured to supportat least one protocol of the IEEE 802.11/802.15/802.16 protocol family,at least one protocol of the HSPA/GSM/GPRS/EDGE protocol family, TDMAprotocol, UMTS protocol, LTE protocol, and/or at least one protocol ofthe CDMA/1xEV-DO protocol family).

Also coupled to system bus 1500 can be memory 1085 provided by randomaccess memory (RAM) 1080. In some embodiments, memory 1085 can furthercomprise a nonvolatile memory such as EPROM 1082, and/or a storagememory device 1084. In one embodiment, storage memory device 1084 can beprovided by a magnetic disk storage device. Alternatively, storagememory device 1084 can be provided by a semiconductor storage devicesuch as ROM, EPROM, flash memory, and/or any other computer-readabletangible storage device that can store computer programs and digitalinformation.

In some embodiments, mobile computer 100 can further include a directmemory access unit (DMA) 1070 providing direct communications of one ormore devices communicatively coupled to system bus 1500 with RAM 1080.Alternatively, mobile computer 100 can employ a system bus providing forbus arbitration mechanism (e.g., a PCI bus) thus eliminating the needfor a central DMA controller. Other embodiments of the system busarchitecture and/or direct memory access components providing forefficient data transfer between one or more devices communicativelycoupled to system bus 1500 and RAM 1080 can be provided.

In a further aspect, mobile computer 100 can include a build-in imagingdevice 1040 configured to acquire two-dimensional monochrome and/orcolor images. Imaging device 1040 can comprise an image sensor 1032including a multiple pixel image sensor 1033 array having pixelsarranged in rows and columns, associated column circuitry 1034, and rowcircuitry 1035. In one embodiment, the image sensor 1033 can be providedby a charge-coupled device (CCD) image sensor. In another embodiment,the image sensor can be provided by a complementary metal-oxidesemiconductor (CMOS) image sensor. A skilled artisan would appreciatethe fact that other types of image sensors are within the scope of theinvention. Associated with the image sensor 1032 can be amplifiercircuitry 1036, and an A/D converter 1037 which converts imageinformation in the form of analog signals read out of image sensor 1033into image information in the form of digital signals. In oneembodiment, the A/D converter 1037 can be provided by an A/D array.

Image sensor 1032 can also have an associated timing and control circuit1038 for use in controlling e.g., the exposure period of image sensor1032, gain applied to the amplifier circuitry 1036. As noted hereinsupra, the circuit components 1032, 1036, 1037, and 1038 can be packagedinto a common imaging device 1040.

Mobile computer 100 can include interface circuit 1026 for couplingimage sensor timing and control circuit 1038 to system bus 1500. Mobilecomputer 100 can be configured to read out analog signals representativeof light incident on one or more pixels. The read out analog signals canbe amplified by the analog signal amplifier 1036. The analog signals canthen be fed to the input of the ADC 1037. The resulting digital valuesrepresentative of the analog signals can be stored in a system memorysuch as RAM 1080. Image frame data stored in RAM 1080 can be in the formof multibit pixel values, with each multibit pixel value representinglight incident on a pixel of image sensor 1033. DMA unit 1070 can routeimage information read out from image sensor 1032 to RAM 1080. Inanother aspect, processor 1060 can be programmed to read out image datastored in memory 1080 and subject such image data to various imageprocessing algorithms.

In some embodiments, the mobile computer 100 can include a variablefocus imaging lens 1110 for use in focusing an image of a decodableindicia located within a field of view 140 on a substrate 50 onto imagesensor 1033. Imaging light rays can be transmitted about imaging axis25. Variable focus imaging lens 1110 can be adapted to be capable ofmultiple best focus distances and multiple focal lengths. Variable focusimaging lens 1110 can be operative to provide a new best focus distanceand/or focal length within a fraction of a frame time in response to anapplied input control signal being applied to the variable focus imaginglens 1110. In one embodiment, the variable focus imaging lens 1110 canbe provided by a deformable imaging lens, e.g., a deformable fluid lensor gel lens. In another embodiment, the variable focus imaging lens 1110can be provided by a non-deformable fluid lens, e.g., an electrowettingliquid lens wherein the surface tension of one or more volumes of lensliquid changes in response to a signal being applied to the lens, or aliquid crystal type lens wherein indices of refraction of one or morevolumes of lens fluid change in response to a signal being applied tothe lens.

Mobile computer 100 can further comprise a battery 356. Mobile computer100 can further comprise a GPS receiver 380 communicatively coupled tosystem bus 1500 via interface 382. The mobile computer 100 can furthercomprise at least one connector 390 configured to receive a subscriberidentity module (SIM) card, also communicatively coupled to system bus1500. A skilled artisan would appreciate the fact that mobile computer100 can comprise various other components, circuits and interfaces.

In some embodiments, the mobile computer 100 can further comprise anembedded encoded information reading (EIR) device 333 communicativelycoupled to system bus 1500 via interface 335. EIR device 333 can beprovided, for example, by a laser scanning device, an RFID readingdevice, an NFC reading device, or a magnetic card reading device. TheEIR device can be configured to output raw message data containing anencoded message and/or output decoded message data corresponding to theencoded message. As used herein, “message” is intended to denote a bytesequence or a character string comprising alphanumeric and/ornon-alphanumeric characters. An encoded message can be used to conveyinformation, such as identification of the source and the model of anitem, for example, in an EPC code.

In one illustrative embodiment, the RFID reading device can be compliantwith EPC™ Class-1 Generation-2 UHF RFID Protocol for Communications at860 MHz-960 MHz by EPCglobal, commonly known as the “Gen 2” standard,which defines physical and logical requirements for apassive-backscatter, Interrogator-talks-first (ITF) RFID systemoperating in the 860 MHz-960 MHz frequency range.

In one illustrative embodiment, the NFC reading device of the EIRterminal can be compliant with NFC Digital Protocol TechnicalSpecification DIGITAL 1.0 NFCForum-TS-DigitalProtocol-1.0 of 2010 Nov.17 by NFC Forum™.

As noted herein supra, mobile computer 100 can transmit, via a wired orwireless communication interface and one or more communication networks,one or more decodable indicia images and/or one or more messagescorresponding to successfully decoded decodable indicia to an externalcomputer. As schematically illustrated by FIG. 3, mobile computer 100a-100 z can access the external computer 171 over one or more localand/or wide area networks 110 a-110 z. Mobile computer 100 a-100 z canconnect to one or more networks 110 a-110 z, e.g., via a wireless accesspoint 135. In one embodiment, at least one of networks 110 a-110 z canbe provided by an IEEE 802.11x-compliant wireless network. In anotherembodiment, at least one of networks 110 a-110 z can be provided by anEthernet network. In another embodiment, at least one of networks 110a-110 z can be provided by a local area network (LAN). In anotherembodiment, at least one of networks 110 a-110 z can be provided by awide area network (WAN). While different networks are designated herein,it is recognized that a single network as seen from the network layer ofthe OSI model can comprise a plurality of lower layer networks, i.e.,what can be regarded as a single Internet Protocol (IP) network, caninclude a plurality of different physical networks.

In a further aspect, the communications between mobile computer 100 andexternal computer 171 can comprise a series of requests and responsestransmitted over one or more TCP connections, although a person skilledin the art would appreciate the fact that using other transport andapplication level protocols is within the scope of this disclosure. Insome embodiments, at least one data frame transmitted by mobile computer100 to external computer 171 can comprise one or more images ofdecodable indicia and/or one or more messages corresponding to decodableindicia successfully decoded by mobile computer 100. Responsive toreceiving a decodable indicia image or a decoded message from mobilecomputer 100, external computer 171 can, in some embodiments, retrieveinformation corresponding to the decoded message from a database andtransmit at least part of the retrieved information to mobile computer100. In one illustrative embodiment, the decoded message can comprise aretail item identifier, and the information retrieved from the databaseand transmitted to the mobile computer 100 can comprise the retail itemprice and/or other characteristics. In another illustrative embodiment,the decoded message can comprise a medical patient identifier, and theinformation retrieved from the database and transmitted to the mobilecomputer 100 can comprise patient treatment information.

One embodiment of a method of processing multiple decodable indicia bymobile computer is schematically illustrated by the block diagram ofFIG. 4. The method can be implemented using one or more processors ofone or more computers. In one illustrative embodiment, the method can beimplemented using one or more processors of mobile computer 100.Alternatively, the method can be implemented using one or moreprocessors of two or more computers.

At step 4010, mobile computer 100 can acquire an image of one or moreobjects bearing one or more decodable indicia within the field of viewthe mobile computer's imaging device.

At step 4020, mobile computer 100 can locate one or more decodableindicia within the acquired image.

At step 4030, mobile computer 100 can decode at least one decodableindicium of the decodable indicia located within the acquired image.

At step 4040, mobile computer 100 can display the acquired image ondisplay 1304.

At step 4050, mobile computer 100 can visually mark the one or moresuccessfully decoded decodable indicia within the displayed image. Inone illustrative embodiment, mobile computer 100 can highlight thesuccessfully decoded decodable indicia. Alternatively, mobile computer100 can draw a bounding box around the successfully decoded decodableindicia. In one illustrative embodiment, a circular dot or some othervisual marker can be placed in or around the center of the successfullydecoded decodable indicia.

At step 4060, mobile computer 100 can accept the user input selecting atleast one decodable indicia of the displayed one or more decodableindicia. In one illustrative embodiment, selecting one or more decodableindicia can be performed via touch screen by the user's tapping thescreen areas containing the images of one or more decodable indicia. Inanother illustrative embodiment, the user's repetitive tapping thescreen area containing a decodable indicia image can toggle on or offthe inclusion of the indicia and/or a decoded message corresponding tothe indicia into the sequence of messages to be transmitted to anexternal computer.

At step 4070, mobile computer 100 can transmit to an external computerat least one decoded message corresponding to the at least one decodableindicia, and the method can terminate.

In one illustrative embodiment, mobile computer 100 can accept userinput indicating which indicia and in which order need to be used by oneor more applications. Responsive to accepting the user input selectingtwo or more decodable indicia, the mobile computer can transmit to anexternal computer, in the order indicated by the user, the decodedmessages corresponding to the selected indicia, and the method canterminate.

In another aspect, there is provided a computer-readable storage mediumcomprising executable instructions capable of configuring one or moreprocessors for implementing the above described method.

A small sample of systems, methods, and apparata that are describedherein is as follows:

A1. A device comprising: a processor; a memory; an imaging subsystemconfigured to acquire an image of decodable indicia; a display; acommunication interface; wherein said device is configured, responsiveto acquiring an image of one or more objects within a field of view ofsaid imaging subsystem, to locate within said image and decode one ormore decodable indicia; wherein said device is further configured todisplay said image on said display and visually mark said one or moresuccessfully decoded decodable indicia; and wherein said device isfurther configured, responsive to accepting user input selecting atleast one decodable indicia of said displayed one or more decodableindicia, to transmit to an external computer at least one decodedmessage corresponding to said at least one decodable indicia. A2. Thedevice of (A1), wherein said device is provided by one of: a smartphone, a tablet computer, and a personal digital assistant. A3. Thedevice of (A1), wherein said imaging subsystem comprises: atwo-dimensional image sensor configured to output an analog signalrepresentative of light reflected by an object located within a field ofview of said imaging subsystem; an amplifier configured to output anamplified analog signal by amplifying said analog signal read out ofsaid image sensor; and an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter configuredto convert said amplified analog signal into a digital signalrepresenting said acquired image. A4. The device of (A1), furtherconfigured to accept user input indicating an order in which decodedmessages corresponding to two or more decodable indicia are to betransmitted to said external computer. A5. The device of (A1), furtherconfigured to accept user input selecting within said displayed image atleast one decodable indicia which is not marked as successfully decoded;wherein said device is further configured to decode said at least onedecodable indicia. A6. The device of (A1), further configured,responsive to accepting user input selecting at least one decodableindicia of said displayed one or more decodable indicia, to transmit toan external computer at least one image comprising said at least onedecodable indicia.

B1. A method, performed using one or more processors, comprising:acquiring, using at least one processor of said one or more processors,an image of one or more objects bearing one or more decodable indicia;locating, using at least one processor of said one or more processors,one or more decodable indicia within said image; decoding, using atleast one processor of said one or more processors, said one or moredecodable indicia; displaying, using at least one processor of said oneor more processors, said image; visually marking, using at least oneprocessor of said one or more processors, said one or more successfullydecoded decodable indicia within said displayed image; accepting, usingat least one processor of said one or more processors, user inputselecting at least one decodable indicia of said displayed one or moredecodable indicia; and transmitting, using at least one processor ofsaid one or more processors, to an external computer at least onedecoded message corresponding to said at least one decodable indicia.B2. The method of (B1), wherein said at least one decodable indicia ofsaid displayed one or more decodable indicia is provided by two or moredecodable indicia; and wherein said step of accepting user inputcomprises accepting user input indicating an order in which decodedmessages corresponding to said two or more decodable indicia are to betransmitted to said external computer. B3. The method of (B1), furthercomprising: accepting user input selecting within said displayed imageat least one decodable indicia which is not marked as successfullydecoded; and decoding said at least one decodable indicia. B4. Themethod of (B1), wherein said visually marking said one or moresuccessfully decoded decodable indicia within said displayed image isperformed by highlighting said one or more successfully decodeddecodable indicia. B5. The method of (B1), wherein said visually markingsaid one or more successfully decoded decodable indicia within saiddisplayed image is performed by rendering a bounding box around said oneor more successfully decoded decodable indicia. B6. The method of (B1),wherein said visually marking said one or more successfully decodeddecodable indicia within said displayed image is performed by renderinga visual marker around a center of said one or more successfully decodeddecodable indicia. B7. The method of (B1), further comprising:transmitting, responsive to accepting user input selecting at least onedecodable indicia of said displayed one or more decodable indicia, to anexternal computer at least one image comprising said at least onedecodable indicia. B8. The method of (B1), wherein said method isperformed by one or more processors of one or more mobile computers.

C1. A computer-readable storage medium comprising executableinstructions capable of configuring one or more processors for:acquiring, using at least one processor of said one or more processors,an image of one or more objects bearing one or more decodable indicia;locating, using at least one processor of said one or more processors,one or more decodable indicia within said image; decoding, using atleast one processor of said one or more processors, said one or moredecodable indicia; displaying, using at least one processor of said oneor more processors, said image; visually marking, using at least oneprocessor of said one or more processors, said one or more successfullydecoded decodable indicia within said displayed image; accepting, usingat least one processor of said one or more processors, user inputselecting at least one decodable indicia of said displayed one or moredecodable indicia; and transmitting, using at least one processor ofsaid one or more processors, to an external computer at least onedecoded message corresponding to said at least one decodable indicia.C2. The computer-readable storage medium of (C1), in which theexecutable instructions are further capable of configuring one or moreprocessors so that: said step of accepting user input comprisesaccepting user input indicating an order in which decoded messagescorresponding to said two or more decodable indicia are to betransmitted to said external computer. C3. The computer-readable storagemedium of (C1), in which the executable instructions are further capableof configuring one or more processors for: selecting within saiddisplayed image at least one decodable indicia which is not marked assuccessfully decoded; and decoding said at least one decodable indicia.C4. The computer-readable storage medium of (C1), in which theexecutable instructions are further capable of configuring one or moreprocessors so that: said visually marking said one or more successfullydecoded decodable indicia within said displayed image is performed byhighlighting said one or more successfully decoded decodable indicia.C5. The computer-readable storage medium of (C1), in which theexecutable instructions are further capable of configuring one or moreprocessors so that: said visually marking said one or more successfullydecoded decodable indicia within said displayed image is performed byrendering a bounding box around said one or more successfully decodeddecodable indicia C6. The computer-readable storage medium of (C1), inwhich the executable instructions are further capable of configuring oneor more processors so that: said visually marking said one or moresuccessfully decoded decodable indicia within said displayed image isperformed by rendering a visual marker around a center of said one ormore successfully decoded decodable indicia.

While the present invention has been described with reference to anumber of specific embodiments, it will be understood that the truespirit and scope of the invention should be determined only with respectto claims that can be supported by the present specification. Further,while in numerous cases herein wherein systems and apparatuses andmethods are described as having a certain number of elements it will beunderstood that such systems, apparatuses and methods can be practicedwith fewer than or greater than the mentioned certain number ofelements. Also, while a number of particular embodiments have beendescribed, it will be understood that features and aspects that havebeen described with reference to each particular embodiment can be usedwith each remaining particularly described embodiment.

1. A device comprising: a processor; a memory; an imaging subsystemconfigured to acquire an image of decodable indicia; a display; acommunication interface; wherein said device is configured, responsiveto acquiring an image of one or more objects within a field of view ofsaid imaging subsystem, to locate within said image and decode one ormore decodable indicia; wherein said device is further configured todisplay said image on said display and visually mark said one or moresuccessfully decoded decodable indicia; and wherein said device isfurther configured, responsive to accepting user input selecting atleast one decodable indicia of said displayed one or more decodableindicia, to transmit to an external computer at least one decodedmessage corresponding to said at least one decodable indicia.
 2. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein said device is provided by one of: a smartphone, a tablet computer, and a personal digital assistant.
 3. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein said imaging subsystem comprises: atwo-dimensional image sensor configured to output an analog signalrepresentative of light reflected by an object located within a field ofview of said imaging subsystem; an amplifier configured to output anamplified analog signal by amplifying said analog signal read out ofsaid image sensor; and an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter configuredto convert said amplified analog signal into a digital signalrepresenting said acquired image.
 4. The device of claim 1, furtherconfigured to accept user input indicating an order in which decodedmessages corresponding to two or more decodable indicia are to betransmitted to said external computer.
 5. The device of claim 1, furtherconfigured to accept user input selecting within said displayed image atleast one decodable indicia which is not marked as successfully decoded;wherein said device is further configured to decode said at least onedecodable indicia.
 6. The device of claim 1, further configured,responsive to accepting user input selecting at least one decodableindicia of said displayed one or more decodable indicia, to transmit toan external computer at least one image comprising said at least onedecodable indicia.
 7. A method, performed using one or more processors,comprising: acquiring, using at least one processor of said one or moreprocessors, an image of one or more objects bearing one or moredecodable indicia; locating, using at least one processor of said one ormore processors, one or more decodable indicia within said image;decoding, using at least one processor of said one or more processors,said one or more decodable indicia; displaying, using at least oneprocessor of said one or more processors, said image; visually marking,using at least one processor of said one or more processors, said one ormore successfully decoded decodable indicia within said displayed image;accepting, using at least one processor of said one or more processors,user input selecting at least one decodable indicia of said displayedone or more decodable indicia; and transmitting, using at least oneprocessor of said one or more processors, to an external computer atleast one decoded message corresponding to said at least one decodableindicia.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein said at least one decodableindicia of said displayed one or more decodable indicia is provided bytwo or more decodable indicia; and wherein said step of accepting userinput comprises accepting user input indicating an order in whichdecoded messages corresponding to said two or more decodable indicia areto be transmitted to said external computer.
 9. The method of claim 7,further comprising: accepting user input selecting within said displayedimage at least one decodable indicia which is not marked as successfullydecoded; and decoding said at least one decodable indicia.
 10. Themethod of claim 7, wherein said visually marking said one or moresuccessfully decoded decodable indicia within said displayed image isperformed by highlighting said one or more successfully decodeddecodable indicia.
 11. The method of claim 7, wherein said visuallymarking said one or more successfully decoded decodable indicia withinsaid displayed image is performed by rendering a bounding box aroundsaid one or more successfully decoded decodable indicia
 12. The methodof claim 7, wherein said visually marking said one or more successfullydecoded decodable indicia within said displayed image is performed byrendering a visual marker around a center of said one or moresuccessfully decoded decodable indicia.
 13. The method of claim 7,further comprising: transmitting, responsive to accepting user inputselecting at least one decodable indicia of said displayed one or moredecodable indicia, to an external computer at least one image comprisingsaid at least one decodable indicia.
 14. The method of claim 7, whereinsaid method is performed by one or more processors of one or more mobilecomputers.
 15. A computer-readable storage medium comprising executableinstructions capable of configuring one or more processors for:acquiring, using at least one processor of said one or more processors,an image of one or more objects bearing one or more decodable indicia;locating, using at least one processor of said one or more processors,one or more decodable indicia within said image; decoding, using atleast one processor of said one or more processors, said one or moredecodable indicia; displaying, using at least one processor of said oneor more processors, said image; visually marking, using at least oneprocessor of said one or more processors, said one or more successfullydecoded decodable indicia within said displayed image; accepting, usingat least one processor of said one or more processors, user inputselecting at least one decodable indicia of said displayed one or moredecodable indicia; and transmitting, using at least one processor ofsaid one or more processors, to an external computer at least onedecoded message corresponding to said at least one decodable indicia.16. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 15, in which theexecutable instructions are further capable of configuring one or moreprocessors so that: said step of accepting user input comprisesaccepting user input indicating an order in which decoded messagescorresponding to said two or more decodable indicia are to betransmitted to said external computer.
 17. The computer-readable storagemedium of claim 15, in which the executable instructions are furthercapable of configuring one or more processors for: selecting within saiddisplayed image at least one decodable indicia which is not marked assuccessfully decoded; and decoding said at least one decodable indicia.18. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 15, in which theexecutable instructions are further capable of configuring one or moreprocessors so that: said visually marking said one or more successfullydecoded decodable indicia within said displayed image is performed byhighlighting said one or more successfully decoded decodable indicia.19. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 15, in which theexecutable instructions are further capable of configuring one or moreprocessors so that: said visually marking said one or more successfullydecoded decodable indicia within said displayed image is performed byrendering a bounding box around said one or more successfully decodeddecodable indicia
 20. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 15,in which the executable instructions are further capable of configuringone or more processors so that: said visually marking said one or moresuccessfully decoded decodable indicia within said displayed image isperformed by rendering a visual marker around a center of said one ormore successfully decoded decodable indicia.